Apartment complex testing DNA of dog poo

WEST CHESTER, Ohio, Feb. 28 (UPI) -- The owners of an Ohio apartment complex said they are using DNA testing to determine the identities of residents who fail to clean up after their dogs.

Summit Management Services, which owns The Lakes of West Chester Village, said the "Poo Prints" DNA program will match dog droppings left on the property with DNA samples taken from residents' canines, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported Tuesday.

"With pet ownership comes responsibility, particularly in a community comprised of renters," property manager Jill Moorman wrote in a letter to residents. "Aside from garden variety noise complaints … another antagonizing issue has become a major factor for pet owners and non-pet owners alike -- dog waste."

Moorman said the dog poo will be sent to the BioPet Vet Lab in Knoxville, Tenn., for identification and the owners will then be fined $200 per violation.

"The 'Poo Prints' DNA program was of great interest because it scientifically identifies the responsible resident, with no guesswork," said Rick Nixon, vice president of Summit Management Services. "Clearly, we do not view dogs as culprits in the utilization of this program; rather, owners will be held accountable for their failure to comply."